
Class 

Book 

Copyright ¥. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



PRAYERS 



IN MEMORIAM 



1922 

PRIVATELY PRINTED 

New York 



-JN 



S3 



COPYRIGHT, 1922, BT 
EVA BACH 



Printed in the United States of America 

APk 29 1922 

QG1.A661473 
-KG I 



PREFACE 

This collection of prayers is compiled in 
memory of my gifted and hallowed daughter, 
Henriette Bach Stein, whose custom it was to 
devote herself to daily outpouring of gratitude 
to, and adoration of God. 

It may serve, in some measure, to portray 
the ethereal aspect of her life, and the divine 
confidence which led her to be reliant upon 
God only; and may possibly be the means of 
spiritualizing others, less fortunate in this 
inherent faith. 

They were written in the youthful days of 
her life, and constantly employed in the union 
of the family, as oral offerings ,to the Lord, in 
acknowledgment of blessings bestowed. 

Those written by her are designated by the 
asterisk (*) ; the others are the feeble efforts 
of a yearning mother. 

Eva Bach 



RESIGNMENT TO GOD, UPON HIS 
SUMMONS OF THE CHILD 

And half we deemed she needed not 
The changing of her sphere, 
To give to Heaven a Shining One, 
Who walked an Angel here. 

Whittier. 

Great God in Heaven, Divine Power and 
King; 

We praise and extol Thy holy name, we 
glorify in Thy divine presence, we love and 
adore, and worship Thee. All is from Thy 
hand. 

Thou hast found it wise to take unto Thee 
our angel child — Henriette; she was the joy of 
our lives, the breath of our existence, the pivot 
upon which we revolved, the nucleus upon 
which we wound every thought and action. 

Thou knowest best, Heavenly Father, Thy 
will be done. We bow clown in submission to 
Thy holy way. 

We pray Thee, Heavenly Father, to reward 
our child On High, for the beautiful life she 
led here below. 



She was devoted to Thy commandments and 
precepts; her one fear in life was that of 
displeasing Thee or of incurring Thy disfavor. 

She was good and pure and holy and divine ; 
she was loving and tender, kind and devoted; 
she was dutiful, obedient and respectful to her 
parents, to her husband and to the obligations 
of maternity; she was assiduously industrious 
to the wonderful genius and art Thou hast 
given her; she was prayerful and devout, 
appreciative and grateful for the many bless- 
ings Thou hast sent to her, and to us, during 
her lifetime. 

Oh, Father, fold her in Thy arms and let the 
radiance of her happiness with Thee shine 
down upon us, and give us some moments of 
peace, some thoughts of contentment, as we 
journey through the lonely road, without her. 

We thank Thee for the supernatural help 
Thou hast given us in these desolate hours of 
distress. 

Thou hast ever been mercifully kind unto 
us, and Thou wilt not desert us now in the 
hour of anguish. 

We thank Thee for Thy help, through all 
the crises and vicissitudes of our lives ; in every 
emergency Thou hast been our guide, and our 
guard, and we have leaned only upon Thee, 
Kind Father, ever conscious of Thy divine 
presence, ever cognizant of Thy sublime aid, 
and always orally and mentally grateful to 
Thee for Thy benign assistance. 

2 



Oh Father: come close to us now; we cannot 
exist without Thy support ; hold us erect, teach 
us the purport of life, and the way to continue 
in the manner that will be acceptable to Thine 
eyes. 

Almighty God, receive Thy angel into the 
realm of Thy glory, reward and bless her, and 
purify us, that we may come to meet her in 
Heaven with Thee. 



* SABBATH PRAYER 

As the Sabbath draws near and closes 
another week of contentment, health, and hence 
happiness, we are again inspired and prompted 
to raise our voices in gratitude to Thee, Oh, 
God and Great Protector, who wills all things, 
and who alone can do, or undo, the destiny of 
mortal existence. 

The lives allotted to us are free from the 
stifling and unconquerable ills which fall to the 
lot of so many of our brethren, and even when 
we are tried in minor matters (perhaps most 
trivial in Thy sight) we always find ourselves 
buoyed up by Thy hand — and capable of 
facing the battle. 

Oh, Lord, our days on this earth are few and 
short, and what we can accomplish in our small 
way, let us hope, is only a stepping stone, 
which leads us to the foot of Thy throne, where 
we may bow in humbleness as Thy servants. 

May this stepping stone be founded upon 
grains of truth, honesty, uprightness, and sub- 
servience to Thy will; so that when we take 
the final step, we may not falter, but may find 
a firm and solid foundation, established in the 
belief that the incentive has been the light of 
Thv Divine Countenance. Amen! 



* SABBATH PRAYER 

Oh, God; 

It is in great reverence and appreciation 
that we bow down to Thee this Sabbath eve- 
ning, in thankfulness for Thy holy protection 
and unbounded blessings. 

Thou hast given us strength to face all diffi- 
culties, and above all, Thou hast given us the 
assurance of Thy Almighty guidance. 

Help us to be worthy of it all, Oh, Lord, so 
that we may deserve renewed blessings, which 
I pray Thou mayst see fit to bestow upon us. 

If we have too evidently manifested our 
shortcomings, Oh, God, overlook them and let 
us find hereafter, as we have found heretofore, 
comfort in the knowledge that Thou art the 
only Power. 

At this moment, Oh, Lord, hear, feel, and 
know that my whole soul is with Thee and I 
can almost interpret Thy holy answer — 

I, the Lord, thy God, 

Am watching you, 
Keep your faith, your prayers, 

Your conscience true. 
In all my glory 

Even do I feel, 
Your slightest hope, 

Your every appeal. 

5 



SABBATH PRAYER 

Almighty Father; 

Lend Thy goodly presence, and hear our 
prayers to Thee. 

In Thy holiness and all powerful kindness 
Thou hast blessed us with another week of life 
and health, peace and contentment. 

Thy paternal watchfulness has ever been 
with us, and we feel Thy mighty presence ever 
nigh. 

Each day has brought us good, since no evil 
has befallen us; each night have we given up 
our lives (in mysterious ignorance) to Thy 
holy care and Thou hast restored us at 
morn, given us the same faculties, the same 
satisfactions of life. 

What are we that we are deserving of so 
much mercy? How little of our lives is 
devoted to Thee! How worldly are the 
thoughts which crowd our daily pursuits. 

We are but frail mortals who stand in awe 
of Thy reproach. We are frivolous and 
inclined to forget Thy goodness. 

Help us to remember that all things come 
from Thee. 

Teach us, Oh, God, to know Thy infinite 

6 



power; to instil in the neglectful the impor- 
tance of Thy greatness ; to 'be ever mindful of 
Thy watchful presence and to promulgate the 
sincerity of Thy oneness. 

Who, Oh, God, of earthly creatures, can 
look about them and doubt Thy omnipotence? 
Who can fail to see and feel Thy omnipresence? 

We pity the wretched souls who have not 
learned to recognize Thee. We pray for 
power to give them knowledge and to enlighten 
them in Thy favor. Thy great works are 
before us all— weak are the eyes which cannot 
behold Thy splendor on earth. Weak are the 
minds which cannot realize the power Thou 
hast over poor mankind. 

We thank Thee, Oh, God, for the intellect 
with which Thou hast endowed us, wherewith 
we can appreciate Thy kindness. 

We know and believe that all good comes 
from Thee, that every blessing is Thy gift. 

We thank Thee in this hour of apparent 
prosperity, we pray Thee to prolong the goodly 
favor Thou hast given us, and that when the 
hour of trouble is near we may again be per- 
mitted to call upon Thee with fervor and 
renewed faith. 

In the hour of disconsolation, our hearts 
will quickly turn to Thee, then let us be 
deserving of Thy mercy and Thy presence. 

Oh, God, in the hour of anguish Thou hast 
heard our prayers ; when all mankind hath lost 
strength, Thou hast lifted Thy helping hand, 



and in miraculous glory hast convinced us of 
Thy existence and Thy power. 

Heavenly Father, we are too remiss in our 
acknowledgment. 

Let it be in our power to serve Thee, Oh, 
Lord ; to do good on earth and to be worthy of 
Thy attention. 

Let us live for the lofty aims of life; let not 
the petty ills of humanity have weight in our 
enlightened minds, but give us courage to 
aspire to that which can benefit mankind; give 
us strength to bear all the mental strain 
incumbent upon a moral life, and make our 
lives worthy of Thy mercy. 

Many blessings have fallen to us, which we 
have accepted as natural occurrences; forgive 
us, that we have not bent in immediate praise 
of Thee and Thy holy mercy. 

Around about us Thy mighty creation stands 
out in beautiful magnificence; daily we enjoy 
its grandeur, forgetting that Thou art the 
Maker, that Thou hast given, and canst also 
deprive. 

Oh, Lord, many are the ignorant, and im- 
pious, who know not how to worship Thee, who 
turn in dismay at the thought of prayer, who 
never lift their hearts in gratitude to Thee, and 
who never open their lips in praise of Thee. 

Give them courage to behold and acknowl- 
edge Thy power; open their eyes to the bless- 
ings before them ; help them to realize that all 
is from Thy hand. 

8 



We thank Thee for the knowledge Thou hast 
given us in our religion, that we can withstand 
all claim to Thy power — one God and one only, 
with no earthly image. 

We thank Thee for the realization of Thy 
almighty supremacy. 



♦SABBATH PRAYER 

Oh, God; 

On this Sabbath evening we again bow down 
in thankfulness and gratitude for the many 
blessings bestowed upon us; for Thy never 
tiring vigilance, and Thy loving protection. 

Teach us, Oh, God, to be worthy of Thy 
blessed guidance and to honor the name of 
"A Child of Thine." 

Overlook our faults, and forgive our wrong- 
doings, for our thoughts are pure and our 
intentions to please but Thee. 

If we have not thanked Thee for each and 
every blessing, think not that it is because we 
do not realize their value, for we know, Oh; 
God, that each minute of our lives is a privilege 
from Thee, and we hope to deserve Thy favor. 

Oh, Lord, relieve us from all trouble, and 
give us strength to bear all the ills which may 
befall us. 

(With Thy fond protection, and the feeling 
of Thy presence ever with us, we cannot but 
be happy, for no matter where we go we know 
that Thou art leading the way, and wilt not 

10 



desert us. Pitiable is the person who has not 
this belief. 

Bless those who do believe, by hearing their 
prayers, and watching over them, always, for 
they know and realize that Thine is the only 
real power. 



11 



SABBATH PRAYER 

Great Father in Heaven, Sublime Ruler 
and King; 

Again we thank Thee for the blessings of 
the past week — again Thou hast convinced us 
of Thy glory and power and hast persuaded us 
to rest peacefully in Thy care. 

We are not sufficiently prayerful; we are 
remiss in our expressions of gratitude to Thee; 
we dwell too seriously upon earthly frailties 
and frivolity. 

Our lives should be devoted to oral offerings 
of continuous prayer, and to the promulgation 
of Thy greatness. 

Hast Thou not placed us here? And have 
we not derived every moment of peace and 
succor from Thy divine love? 

How, then, may we deliver unto Thy holy 
shrine the sentiments of appreciation and 
thankfulness Ave feel within us? 

Let these feeble utterances transmit to Thee, 
Kind Father, the holy reverence we maintain 
towards Thy omnipotent presence and our ever 
increasing gratefulness for the bounty of Thy 
love. 

12 



Forgive us, Oh, Father, if we have trans- 
gressed or if we have appeared impatient or 
irritable for we are but mortals, simply imbued 
with the light of Thy spirit, waiting in our 
peccable stupor for the brilliant awaking of our 
spirit life with Thee in Heaven. 

Oh, God, then may we share the everlasting 
peace that abides with Thee in the sacred 
splendor of Thy glorious abode on High. 
Amen! 



13 



SABBATH PRAYER 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

Ever increasing is the confidence and faith 
we have in Thy divine existence and Thy 
mercy. 

Paramount in our minds is the assurance of 
Thy great power and Thy protection. 

"Knock and it shall be opened unto ye" is 
the watchword of our lives. "Ask and ye shall 
receive," is the guide to our earthly wishes. 

Each day we feel the need of Thy help, each 
day we look up in supplication to Thee, and 
each day Thou hast heard our prayers and hast 
appeared in Thy mercy, to gratify our requests. 

On this Sabbath evening, Kind God, we bow 
down in gratitude and in praise of Thee, 
extolling Thy name, with its attending power, 
proclaiming Thy omnipotence to all the vain 
mortals, and admitting our inferiority. 

We are nothing, Heavenly Father, in our 
own insignificance; we can claim nothing from 
this earth and its frail attractions; but we cling 
to Thee, Great Father in Heaven, with all the 
fervor and confidence instilled by Thy divine 
influence. 

14 



Accept, Good God, our humble gratitude; 
accept, Kind Father, the acknowledgment of 
our never ending thankfulness, for we feel Thy 
presence in our midst. 

Bless our dear ones and shield them from all 
harm; watch over us, Kind Father, as Thou 
hast always; and guide us into the paths of 
righteousness, humility, and subservience to 
Thee and Thy mighty will. 



15 



* SABBATH PRAYER 

Almighty Father in Heaaten; 

We beseech Thee to hear again our prayers, 
lifted to Thee in thankfulness, for another 
week of Thy supreme vigilance, and for Thy 
kindness in keeping us in good health and free 
from mental burdens and anxieties. 

Oh, God, it seems too little to but thank Thee 
in cold words for the mercy Thou hast shown 
us; but, how else are we able to extend our 
gratitude? 

Is a few minutes, spent each day in prayer, 
all Thou askest in return for Thy watchfulness? 

Oh, Lord, if Thou canst but see in our hearts, 
and interpret the words of our souls, Thou 
knowest to what heights we soar, to dwell with 
Thee, and how our innermost feelings lead only 
to Thee. 

Forgive us, Lord, if we have not bowed 
down to Thee enough, for how could we thank 
Thee sufficiently unless we were to devote our 
whole existence to one long continued prayer. 

On this Sabbath eve, Oh, Lord, forgive us 
any sins of the past week, that we may start in 
anew the coining week, with free and noble 
hearts, ready to serve Thee and Thee only, now 
and forever more. Amen! 

16 



SABBATH PRAYER 

Almighty Father; 

With souls uplifted by confidence in Thy 
divine help, we again seek to praise and extol 
Thy holy name, and to offer up our gratitude 
for another week of health, peace, contentment, 
and faith in Thee. 

Thy great power is manifest in all things; 
Thy mercy is extended to all creatures ; we feel 
and realize our utter helplessness without Thee ; 
we crave Thy good will- and tender vigilance. 

Let not evil befall us, nor base thoughts con- 
trol our fancy and imagination, but let us dwell 
in the favor of Thy divine light and in the 
bounty of Thy blessings. 

There is light and hope in Thy omnipresent 
love; darkness and despair without Thy 
gracious guidance. 

Direct our steps, Kind Father, so that we 
shall not falter, nor fall, and lead us onward 
to the joy that is to be everlasting in Thy 
presence. Amen! 



17 



SABBATH PRAYER UPON 
CROSSING THE OCEAN 

Almighty Father; 

Each moment of our lives should be filled 
with grateful thoughts to Thee. 

How very fitting, then, is this time when 
sailing upon Thy migfhity waters where every 
evidence of Thy great power is presented to 
us, in a spectacular representation of Thy 
glory, and where every hope of safety and 
comfort is centered in Thee. 

All the wonders that man has wrought are 
as nothing, compared to the wonders of Thy 
creation. 

Mian has only served as Thy humble tool, 
wherewith Thou canst prove, to the human 
mind, all the marvelous tasks of which Thou 
art capable, for Thou art the only Power, the 
divine inspiration of all that is noble and 
exalted. 

All mankind should bow down in humility 
and gratitude before Thee always, never for- 
getting Thy supremacy, Thy omnipotence and 
Thy mercy. 

Should Thy people err, and be unmindful of 

18 



Thy blessings and Thy presence, then let our 
little band be not of this number; allow all 
our family to feel free to come to Thee upon 
this Sabbath evening, with outstretched arms, 
in gratefulness and in holy appreciation of Thy 
goodness unto us. 

We thank Thee for the many favors be- 
stowed upon us, among these the freedom from 
pain and from mental suspense, the safety in 
Thy protection through all our travels and all 
the moments of discouragement as strangers in 
strange lands. 

During all the days of separation from home 
and attachments we have felt Thy presence 
and we pray Thee, Kind Father, to guide us 
onward to end of our journey, there to meet 
our loved ones in safety, there to again offer 
our thanksgiving and praise to Thee, in the 
reunion of our family, and there to bless Thy 
holy name as we always have done, forever and 
ever. Amen! 



19 



CHILD'S NIGHT PRAYER 

To my darling Utile Henriette, in her seventh 
year, upon her request for a new prayer, 
saying she was tired of "Now I lay me 
down to sleep": 

Father, watch me through the night 
Keep me happy, well, and bright ; 
Shield me from all care and pain 
Let me Thy good will retain. 

Thou hast blessed me with life's pleasure, 
Given me every earthly treasure; 
Help me to deserve this favor, 
And to know Thou art the Giver. 



20 



* FEAR THE LORD 

Blessings come to those who fear the Lord, 
who walk uprightly, and who do not stand in 
the paths of others. 

I say unto you now, fear the Lord ; trust in 
Him, who giveth all good for He is the only 
one who can give, and He bestoweth upon His 
children with never tiring hand. 

Pray to God, now and forever, so that when 
you are in sore distress, and the hour comes 
when you must call upon Him for great un- 
earthly help, you may do so, with clean hands, 
clean hearts, and He will never fail you. 

God never fails those who trust in Him, the 
Almighty One. 

Oh, God, who can doubt Thee? Who can 
screen from mental view Thy Almighty hand, 
clasped in ours to guide us in Thy own holy 
paths of righteousness and contentment? 

The man of sorrows needs Thee to comfort 
and support him in the great trials Thou hast 
placed before him, and the man of happiness 
should feel that he requires Thy attention to 
hearken to his thanksgiving by way of prayers ; 
so that when the hour of gloom appears, he may 

21 



again turn to his Father in Heaven with a free 
and noble mind and a devoted soul. 

I thank Thee now and forever for Thy con- 
stant watchfulness over me, and for the great 
protection Thou hast given me, which enables 
me to accomplish a height in life, bringing me 
Closer to Thee, to dwell in body, mind, and 
soul. Amen! 

Great God in Heaven ; 

Thou hast given us a mighty privilege; the 
honor and advantage of knowing Thee, of rec- 
ognizing Thy great power, and of abiding in 
the hope and faith in Thy supervision. 

We are as the flowers in Thy fields; swayed 
by Thy gentle winds; nursed by Thy tender 
care; even as they fade and perish here below, 
so shall we all ; but the soul shall find its abiding 
place in the realm of Thy sacred dominion on 
high, where all is everlasting peace and joy. 

Oh, Heavenly Father, help us to rise above 
all thoughts of timidity, distress, or depression, 
and let our only fear be the fear of displeasing 
Thee. 

Let not the days hang heavily upon our 
hands, but give us the spirit and cheer concom- 
itant with the confidence we feel in Thy will 
and Thy way. 

Crown us with hope, and pride, and courage 
to do all things well in Thy sight. 

Let us humbly approach Thee, Heavenly 



Father, and seek Thy loving presence, shed 
these blessings over our dear ones, and incline 
Thine ear to our supplications for Thy benign 
assistance. Amen! 

Merciful God in Heaven; 

There is nothing on earth so uplifting as the 
solitary communion with Thee. 

There is nothing which can educe the perfect 
balm of solace, like the abandonment of all that 
is worldly to the holy calling of God's guidance. 

Pour out your souls to God, ye humans, ask 
of Him all the favors ye would seek. 

Rest not your hopes in mortals for they are 
powerless to assist; they are but the mediums 
of God's response. 

Live always with the presence of God and 
give from the fountain of pleasure to the devo- 
tion towards God. 

In the midst of enjoyment, gratification and 
earthly satisfaction, take time and thought to 
offer up your gratefulness to God, lest the joys 
be shortened and ye are found undeserving 
and unthankful in the eyes of God. 

"Ask Heaven for wisdom, virtue, health, 
But never let your prayer be wealth." 

*Oh, God; 

Thou art so good and I do so appreciate all 
the wonderful blessings Thou hast bestowed 
upon me. 

23 



If we could but know the mystery of Thy 
Almighty Power, or could but see Thy hand, 
which does all, we could so much better feel 
that Thou dost know our gratefulness — but it 
is not meant that we should be so wise, and 
Thou hast, therefore, ordained that we live in 
ignorance of Thy secret guardianship, except 
for the fact that an All-powerful Being is 
prompting us and that Being is our Almighty 
Father in Heaven. 

In all matters, whether of import or insig- 
nificance, I pray Thee, Lord, to give me power 
to do and judge correctly; to lay a pleasant 
path for my weary feet to tread in, for as many 
years as may be happy ones. Amen! 

*Father in Heaven; 

We realize more than ever Thy great power. 

Thou hast truly been merciful unto us at all 
times, and in all places. 

The disappointments which come into every 
life have been few and trivial to us, even as they 
are in Thy sight. We are blessed with the great 
belief that "all is for the best." 

Give us strength, Oh, Lord, to fulfill our 
duty on earth and be happy in so doing ; know- 
ing that our lives lie in the one aim of accom- 
plishing to the best of our ability the calling 
Thou hast seen fit in Thy wisdom to place 
before us. 

24 



Almighty Father in Heaven; 

Every impulse of good cometh from On 
v Hig<h; every moment of contentment is Thy 
blessing. 

All suspense and care is relieved by the grace 
of Thy help. 

Mortal man cannot gainsay the truth of Thy 
omnipresence; it is too evident and too manifest 
in all tJhings. 

We extol Thee and proclaim Thy holy name. 

Without Thee, we are as atoms, tossed about 
by every unfavorable wind. With Thee, Kind 
Father, we are comforted with the foundation 
of security. 

Great Father, can we not see how little there 
is in life? Can we not see that it is all in death, 
and with Thee? 

Those who disbelieve will founder in their 
lack of hope. 

Bless those who trust in Thee, with the full 
realization of all the contentment and hap- 
piness concomitant with the assurance of Thy 
existence and Thy presence. 

Every moment of our lives is filled with the 
indications of Thy aid, and Thy power. All 
time belongs to Thee ; we mortals may compute 
it by days, weeks and years, but to Thee it is 
as naught until we shall enter the realm of Thy 
glory. 

Let not a doubt of God's supremacy enter 
the mortal mind, for He has given sufficient 

25 



proof of His existence and He will be angry 
at those who make light of His power. 

Trust in God, and the moments of darkness 
will be brightened with His great influence, 
and all worldly cares can be thrust aside by His 
divine intervention. 

We pray Thee, Good Lord, to keep us calm, 
trustful and contented now and forever. Amen! 



26 



TRUST IN GOD'S GUIDANCE 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

Peace is granted to those who call upon 
Thee, and help to those who are in need. 

Thy benign influence is ever upon us. 

In every thought we feel Thy presence; in 
every move we feel Thy will and Thy way. 

With submissive weakness we yield our infe- 
riority to Thy great and omniscient judgment. 

Divine light cometh only to those who are 
willing to see and acknowledge Thy power, and 
to proclaim the verity of it orally and mentally. 
, The greatest blessings to mankind are over- 
looked and accepted too lightly; we are not 
sufficiently prayerful and devout in the 
acknowledgment of Thy mighty protection. 

Let this moment, Kind Father, appear to 
Thee as one of penitence and devotion to Thee 
in proof of our gratitude for the many blessings 
extended to our family. 

We have suffered often of weakness and de- 
spair but our faith in Thee has never wavered, 
and Thou hast never failed to be nigh unto us. 

The mysteries of this life are made lucid to 
us by the light of Thy omnipresent protection. 

27 



What knowledge do we require but the 
knowledge of Thy aid? 

It was not ordained that we should pry into 
the mortal meaning of Thy ways, but to place 
implicit trust in Thee and to be led by Thy 
light only. Amen! 



"Lord, it is Thy will and it shall be mine; 
Thou art just in all Thy dealings with the chil- 
dren of men, and I know Thou wilt not afflict 
me beyond what I can bear, and if I can bear 
it I ought to bear it ; and, Thy grace assisting 
me, I will bear it." 

Richardson. 



GRATITUDE TO GOD 

Great God, Lord of Heaven ; 

Our gratitude to Thee knows no means of 
expression ; language is all too limited in essay- 
ing to impart to Thee the ineffable sentiment of 
appreciation we feel within us. 

We are not unmindful of the ills which could 
befall us, but with the security of Thy care 
naught can mar the. serenity of our lives nor 
molest the quietude of our peace. 

Teach us, Oh Father, the way to do right, 
and give us the means of helping others, even 
as Thou has deputized others to help us. 

The angels on earth sent by Thy hand are as 
recognizable as those who abide in Heaven, and 
the acts of kindness coming to us are as plainly 
visible from Thy hand as those of man to man. 

We are endeavoring to do right, and we feel 
Thy Almighty assistance. 

We cherish it, and acknowledge it, and adore 
the assurance of Thy presence. 

Help us on, Oh, Father, to higher ideals, and 
to the ignorance of all that is lowly and frivo- 

29 



lous in Thy sight; so that we may be better 
prepared to meet Thee, with souls uplifted and 
consciences free from stain. 

Almighty Father in Heaven; 

In fervent prayer, again we raise our voices 
to Thee, to thank Thee, and to bow down in 
gratitude for Thy blessings, and for the assur- 
ance of Thy protection. 

Without Thee, Oh, God, we are as infants, 
dependent upon Thy care. We are but weak 
mortals, with naught to support us but Thy aid 
and Thy approval. 

Kind Father, teach us the way of the right- 
eous and the devout; teach us the methods and 
the glory of clinging to Thee, and the comfort 
of finding relief and consolation in Thy benign 
assistance. 

We have so much to be grateful for ; we can- 
not enumerate the many blessings Thou hast 
sent to us. 

In daily occupation, and in pursuit of pleas- 
ure and frivolity, we are unmindful of Thy 
presence, and we are neglectful of our duties 
towards Thee. 

Give us, Oh, God, the power to assist un- 
fortunate beings, who seem distressed here 
upon earth, and who appear to suffer the pangs 
of poverty, want, and illness ; help us to convey 
Thy message of love and mercy to them and 
make us the medium of Thy kindly help. 

30 



For all good comes from Thee, Oh, God, 
and all is made by Thy hand. 

We thank Thee for this week of content- 
ment ; we have mastered all momentous affairs ; 
we have controlled all our weaker sentiments; 
we have exercised patience with petty cares, 
and have trusted faithfully in Thy divine 
guidance. 

We thank Thee, Almighty Power, for Thy 
help, for Thy presence, for Thy all-powerful 
influence, and for the consciousness of it. Amen! 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

As the days pass and we feel Thy mighty 
presence, we lift our thoughts constantly in 
praise of Thee, and in gratitude to Thee. 

The past week has been one of peace and con- 
tentment under Thy watchful care. 

We owe all these precious advantages, all 
the blessings bestowed upon us to Thy great 
and bountiful munificence. 

Thou art ever with us, tenderly guiding us, 
and showering blessings upon us; blessing 
unseen by us, in our blind insignificance. 

Oh, let us not be remiss in our manifestations 
of gratitude. 

There are moments of worldly excitement, 
when we place too much stress upon earthly 
matters in lieu of devoting ourselves to Thee 
in everlasting thankfulness. 

31 



Looking up to Thee, Kind Father, every 
burden seems lifted from our hearts. 

Trusting in Thee, all life is beautiful and 
attractive. 

Oh, Good Lord, that we might serve Thee in 
loftier, holier ways ; that we might be permitted 
to assist unfortunate beings with Thy divine 
light and give to them the supreme confidence 
that Thou hast given to us. 

Let us not appear selfish with our blessings ; 
give us mortal power to distribute good among 
those deserving of consideration and help. 
Can we not feel Thy presence? 

Have we not always experienced the devout 
communion between God and man, which 
speaks to us in silent assurance of Thy power, 
Thy presence, and Thy knowledge? 

Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent 
Father in Heaven, we acknowledge Thee now 
and forever. 

Thy divine light shines through all dark- 
ness — the blessing of Thy love comes to all who 
seek it. 

Proofs of Thy Omnipotent glory abound in 
the heavens above and upon the earth below; 
those who see them not are wilfully blind to 
the wonderful indications Thou hast evinced of 
Thy power and Thy existence. 

There is not a creature upon earth that can 
feel perfect contentment without Thy help. 

We require Thy protection every moment of 
our lives. 

32 



We place our trust in Thee, and thus we 
cannot err. 

We may have moments of mortal suspense 
and anxiety, but the assurance of Thy holy vigi- 
lance rises ever above these earthly thoughts, 
steering us on to the path of safety and wisdom. 

We thank Thee, Kind God, that Thou hast 
lifted us up above the benighted disbelievers, 
and hast given to us the comfort of divine faith 
in Thee. 



33 



GOD IS EVER NIGH UNTO US 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

We thank Thee for this week of contentment 
and peace. 

We thank Thee for Thy divine assistance, 
which has carried us through all moments of 
hesitancy and uncertainty. 

We could accomplish nothing without Thy 
aid. 

Let not suspense, nor sorrow, nor pain enter 
our lives nor disturb the beautiful peace with 
which Thou hast enriched us. 

Contentment is Thy most precious gift to 
mankind, because it implies all of our wishes, 
comprised in one. 

Thou art ever nigh unto us; our own sense 
of security tells us this, and bids us be ever 
trustful and reliant upon Thy mercy, as upon 
the only rock of salvation. 

We are, Kind Father, leaning heavily upon 
Thee, for we believe not in earthly, mortal help. 

We believe it is Thou alone who giveth us 
comfort and satisfaction. 

We thank Thee, Great God, with souls full 
of devotion. 

34 



We worship Thy will, and reverently bow 
to Thy way. 

All is good, and all is from Thy hand. 

Inspire us, Heavenly Father, with the 
blessed example of Thy holiness. 

Impress us with Thy All-powerful existence, 
and let that assurance increase from day to day 
with the gladness of Thy presence. We pray 
Thee to endow us with the means of helping 
mankind ; with the patience to be kind and tol- 
erant towards others, and with the meekness 
to bow down humbly, reverently, to Thee in 
Thy great dominion of power. 

In all moments of trial, we have but to call 
God to the rescue — call the Good Lord, with 
implicit faith, and He will appear unfalter- 
ingly, unremittingly, answering every prayer. 

If weak mortals were to cease lamenting and 
pause to recognize God, they would find Him 
omnipresent at every step in life. 

The moments of suspense and pain are but 
the warnings from On High; the moments of 
relief are the proofs of God's divine power, and 
the response from His Merciful Greatness. 

We beseech Thee to look down upon Thy 
children in mercy and grace, sheltering us with 
the comfort of Thy care. 

Good Father in Heaven ; 

Is not Thy kindness and protection evinced 
at every step we take in life? 

35 



Hast Thou not revealed Thy power when all 
earthly succor has failed? 

Hast Thou not represented the glory of Thy 
omniscience at every turning point of our 
existence? 

Nothing can cause us to be oblivious of Thy 
protection; no joy nor sorrow can take from us 
the knowledge and faith in Thy presence. 

This life has not the importance we mortals 
attach to it, but the life to come with Thee is 
the one goal of our aspirations which should 
lead us in patient observance of all Thy ways, 
preparing us to meet Thy Almighty presence 
and Thy approval. 

Thy ways Shall be our ways; Thy will shall 
be as is best for us. 

We thank Thee for the hours of content- 
ment; we thank Thee for the days of grace 
Thou hast in Thy infinite wisdom bestowed 
upon us. 

The ways of mortal are vain and idle; the 
path of virtue lies in Thy noble example. 

It is better to lead a life with Thee alone 
than to participate in all the frivolous allure- 
ments of mankind. What is today but the 
dawn of tomorrow? 

The period of our dwelling here below is 
brief and shallow, but the life to come, with 
Thee, is holy and everlasting. 

Teach us the glory of Thy way, Kind Father, 
and lead us to the path of righteousness and 
duty towards Thee, and prepare us to meet 

36 



Tihee with upright souls, and the knowledge 
of Thy approbation. 

Almighty Father; 

The days pass, and we are nearer to Thee, 
nearer in life, and closer to death and to Thee. 

All time is governed by the contentment 
given from On Higfh. 

We pray Thee, Kind Father, to look down 
in mercy upon Thy feeble, trembling children, 
to steady the weary limbs, to strengthen the 
failing hearts, and to give cheer to the de- 
spondent souls. Thy presence, Oh, God, is all 
we ask ; Thy care is all we require. 

We pray Thee, Heavenly Father, to let us 
find favor in Thy eyes and to extend Thy 
mercy and sympathy to those who struggle to 
do right. 

The days of anguish and despair are sent to 
us, to school us in the ways of sacrifice and to 
steady our faith in Thy salvation. 

We shall not waver, neither shall we depart 
from the course Thou hast ordained for us, but 
in sublime confidence, follow Thy lead, and 
continue to pray for Thy guiding hand. 

We are often despondent and lost to our 
own control, but through the apparent gloom 
we feel the courage of Thy divine presence, and 
Thy parental care and observation. 

We pray Thee, Kind Father, to be nigh unto 

37 



us, and to advise us, and fill us with contented 
cheer, so that we may be strong and ready to 
perform the earthly duties incumbent upon us. 

Thou hast been so kind to us ; hast blessed us 
with divine understanding; hast given us the 
supreme knowledge of Thy existence and 
omnipresence. 

We humble ourselves before Thee in submis- 
sive recognition of Thy holiness and Thy 
power. 

* Oh, Lord ; 

I pray Thee to hear me again in my humble 
prayer to Thee. 

My gratefulness to Thee, Kind Father, is 
unbounded for all Thy goodness to me. 

Help me, I pray, to deserve Thy blessings, 
and put the words into my mouth which best 
convey to Thee my thankfulness for Thy 
Almighty guidance. 

I am such a poor mortal, and Thou art so 
wonderfully great and sympathetic towards my 
wants and needs that I feel guilty at not having 
a more satisfactory way of coming into Thy 
presence with my intense appreciation. 

But no matter where or how I may pray, 
Thou knowest well, Oh, God, how my soul rises 
to Thee only, to thank, to extol, and to worship 
Thee, my Heavenly Father and Great Master. 
Amen! 

38 



Heavenly Father, All-wise Sovereign; 

Each day that we live, verifies the truth of 
Thy existence and Thy superior wisdom, in 
directing our footsteps. 

We know not how to serve Thee with suffi- 
cient humility and subservience. 

We yearn to improve our ways and to make 
ourselves holy in Thy sight. 

Enlighten us, Kind Father, to the fulfill- 
ment of these desires, and signify to us Thy 
satisfaction with our humble efforts by a con- 
tinuance of Thy divine love. 



GRATITUDE FOR CONTENTED 
LIFE 

Heavenly Father; 

Another week has been allotted us, full of 
contentment and peace; full of the glory of 
Thy presence. 

The sweet pleasures of life have not been 
lessened nor interrupted with anxiety or sus- 
pense, and we bow down in gratitude to Thee 
for "Thy spiritual protection. 

We thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for the 
good health that prevails among us, and for 
the freedom from care and pain, and that no 
ills have intruded upon our peaceful existence. 

It would be most unjust to receive all these 
uninterrupted blessings without words of 
recognition to Thee, Almighty King, the Kind 
and Merciful Giver. 

Have we merited the joys which so surround 
us? If not, Oh, Heavenly Father, forgive us 
and accept our gratitude in this moment of 
acknowledgment and prayer. 

Let us realize, Kind Father, that pain is but 
the reminder of that which may befall us, hence 

40 



fhe promoter of satisfaction, for when we find 
our poor bodies distressed we immediately look 
to Thee for relief, for support, and for the 
assurance of recovery. 

Keep far from us the spirit of discontent, 
that evil usurper of the beautiful existence 
Thou hast bestowed upon us; let it not creep 
into the harmony of our lives and thereby make 
us appear ungrateful in Thine eyes. 

Let every hour Thou hast given us be em- 
ployed with motives of good; with kindness 
toward our fellowmen, and with the acceptance 
of Thy power. 

We implore Thee to keep all evil from us. 
We ask for nothing more, Oh, God, than that 
Thou liast already given. 

We are contented, happy, blessed ; we pray, 
Kind God, but for its continuance. 

A peaceful home is ours ; loving hearts sur- 
round us, tender thoughts and solicitations 
await us; Oh, let us be deserving of it all, and 
should we err, Oh, Father, guide us aright that 
we may be innocent of false intention and steer 
us back to the haven of honor and righteousness 
that we may be reminded of Thy merciful 
example. 



41 



GRATITUDE FOR SUPERIOR HOME 
LIFE 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

Thy deeds of kindness are great and noble; 
our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We 
are supremely blessed with Thy divine super- 
vision. We are crowned with joy, realizing 
Thy presence. The dawn of day is but Thy 
light, and the shadow of evening means Thy 
protection. 

All earthly sighing and yearning is but the 
innate craving to approach Thee, and Thy 
haven of rest and relief, while this earth is but 
tihe threshold to the final abiding home with 
Thee. The trivial sorrows here are but the life- 
boats leading to Heaven, preparing us for our 
permanent abode with God. 

It matters not how our day passes, just so 
that it closes with Thee. It matters not what 
discomfort we appear to suffer, so that Thy 
protection cometh unto us. Thy mercy is 
everlasting, and Thy toleration of all our 
foibles and errors remains supreme. Let us 
not take advantage of Thy great consideration 

42 



of us. Let us not be neglectful in our devotion 
to Thee. 

Thou hast blessed us with the choice environ- 
ment of genius and art; hast blessed us with 
love, affection, and all that affiliation which 
completes the happy home life. We pray Thee 
to give us the endurance requisite to this sepa- 
ration, and to unite us again in health, love, 
and harmony. 



43 



TRUST IN GOD 

No care nor sorrow casts me down, 
For Thou art ever near ; 

No idle word, nor earthly frown 
Can steal upon my cheer. 

No casket filled with rarest gems 

Can satisfy my soul ; 
But pious deeds, and apothegms, 

Will lift me to Thy goal. 

No violence of nature's wrath 

Can bid my spirit quail ; 
For Thou art leading to the path 

Where courage doth prevail. 

No disappointment crushes me, 
Nor pang of keen despair ; 

For all my trust is placed in Thee, 
My being in Thy care. 

No sorrow born of shattered hope, 
Can mar my peace serene; 

Full willing in the dark I grope, 
And on Thy guidance lean. 



CROSSING THE OCEAN 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

We are thrilled with the awe-inspiring evi- 
dences of Thy omnipotence. The majesty of 
Thy wonderful creation, the warring elements, 
the magnitude of Thy works, all bespeak Thy 
positive supremacy and merciful existence. 

We are filled with emotion, and praise, and 
thanksgiving for the permission of observing 
Thy wonders. 

The gigantic waters, the great ocean, do not 
impress us with the feeling of fear but with the 
recognition of our own mortal inferiority, and 
insignificance. 

Thou hast in Thy great wisdom endowed 
mankind with the knowledge and mastery of 
all the intricate facilities necessary to the con- 
quering of difficulties, but without the guidance 
of Our Great Master in Heaven our meagre 
efforts and earthly skill would be as atoms to 
the sea. 

With sincere and everlasting gratitude we 
thank Thee, Kind Father, for these many 
weeks of help and support ; for the honors and 

45 



blessings bestowed upon us, for the safety with 
which we have traversed foreign lands, 
estranged from home and dear ones, and for 
the accompanying assurance that Thou wert 
ever nigh unto us. 

We pray Thee, Heavenly Father, to remain 
with us, shaping our future, filling it with con- 
tentment and with the help of Thy divine 
presence. 



46 



PRAYER UPON CROSSING THE 
OCEAN 

Almighty Father ; 

During this week of Thy holy protection our 
thoughts have incessantly arisen to Thee in 
gratitude and ecstasy over the wonders of Thy 
creation. 

With Thy watchful care we have been per- 
mitted to cross the deep mysterious seas so 
wonderfully beautiful to behold, so magnificent 
in the splendor and representation of Thy 
supreme power. 

What nobler evidence have we than the sub- 
lime privilege of looking upon Thy mighty 
work and its proof of Thy omnipresence. 

We thank Thee, Kind Father in Heaven, 
for the safety and comfort imbued by Thy om- 
nipotent vigilance; without Thee all pleasure 
would be filled with dread and fear, While with 
Thee we are as children confident of and 
dependent upon Thy fatherly aid. 

We pray Thee, Kind God, to guard our dear, 
devoted companions at home, to help them in 
lonely hours, to relieve them from all mental 

47 



anguish and strain, and to keep us all in health 
so that we may not be of burden to one another, 
and that when the allotted interval of separa- 
tion has passed we may be united again in the 
happy environment of the beautiful home life 
Thou hast awarded us. 

We praise and extol Thee, Oh, God, for Thy 
kindness and for the many blessings bestowed 
upon us. 

Keep us pure of thought and morally 
upright, so that we may deserve the rare 
assurance of Thy benign protection now and 
forever. Amen! 



48 



CROSSING OCEAN 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

With divine inspiration Thou hast invested 
us with the supreme wisdom which bids us look 
to Thee alone for aid, the knowledge which con- 
vinces us that Thou art nigh and art ever ready 
to lend Thy merciful attention to our appeal. 

Another week has been given us filled with 
contentment, health, and the glory of Thy 
blessed supervision. 

The great wonders of Thy creation have 
again been uppermost in our thoughts and the 
frailty of mankind has ever presented itself to 
our minds, bidding us realize that the one great 
goal of happiness is to cling to Thee and Thy 
holy will. 

We thank Thee, kind Father, with all the 
sincerity of our penitent souls. We thank 
Thee for the innumerable blessings bestowed 
upon us, and we pray Thee to keep us pure 
of thought, upright and exemplary of action, 
that we may lead other weak mortals into 
the path of wisdom and faith in Thee, the 
one Almighty Father and King now and for- 
ever. Amen! 

49 



^CROSSING THE OCEAN 

Kind Father in Heaven ; 

On this Sabbath evening I again beseech 
Thee to hear our prayers of thanksgiving for 
all the blessings and comforting guidance Thou 
hast shown us. The ocean seems so massive 
and powerful, and when I think it is naught in 
strength or in power, compared with Thy 
might, it seems too much for human compre- 
hension. 

We appreciate, Oh, Lord, the protection 
Thou hast given us and do thank Thee now 
and forever more for all Thy help. 

May'st Thou find it for the best, Oh, Lord, 
to keep us in health and make us happy and 
contented with whatever Thou may'st see wise 
to give us and may'st Thou never find us negli- 
gent in our gratitude and thankfulness toward 
Thee. 



50 



GOD'S PROTECTION IN TRAVEL 

Almighty Father; 

In loving gratitude we again raise our voices 
to Thee for another week of Thy wonderful 
protection. A week filled with the dangers of 
travel, filled with the longing for home and 
dear ones. In Thee alone we have placed our 
trust; to Thee alone we have looked for guid- 
ance and for the spirit of contentment. Thou 
hast, in Thy mercy, hearkened to our appeals 
and hast looked down upon us with Thy benign, 
powerful assistance. What peace, Oh, God, 
without Thy presence ? What security without 
Thy protection? What comfort without Thy 
approval? All is insignificant upon earth; we 
are but mere atoms, subject to Thy disposal, 
subject to Thy divine will. 

Oh, God, teach us the way to serve Thee. 

Instil within us the motives of holy devotion 
to Thee alone, and imbue within us the divine 
love of Thy precepts. 

We are grateful, Kind God, for the innu- 
merable blessings Thou hast bestowed upon 
us; each moment of content is Thy gift unto us. 

51 



Oh, Heavenly Father, remain with us and 
permit us the great privilege of clinging to 
Thee. 

We pray Thee, Kind Father, to watch over 
our dear ones and keep them from harm and 
to unite us again at the allotted time in peace, 
happiness, and contentment. Amen! 



52 



GOD'S SECURITY IN TRAVEL 

Almighty Father; 

Help me to pour forth the eloquent words 
worthy of proclaiming Thy greatness. 

Help me to express in powerful and lucid 
manner the gratitude we feel for Thy benefi- 
cent care and aid. 

We are cognizant of Thy Almighty presence 
through the days of wandering and travel. 

We seem to require Thee more than ever, 
as we journey far from home and dear ones, 
and Thou hast come closer to us in the hour 
of need, and stress, and despair. 

How do we deserve it, Kind Father? How 
do we merit Thy indefatigable Providence? 
How have we served Thee sufficiently to war- 
rant this kind protection, this wonderful assur- 
ance of security, under Thy guiding hand? 

We offer, Kind Father, unbounded thank- 
fulness to Thee and pray Thee to make Thy 
exemplary influence the lode-star of our lives, 
helping us to help others. Amen! 



53 



♦SECURITY IN TRAVEL 

Almighty Father; 

Hear us again, in our prayer of thankful- 
ness to Thee, for being our faithful Guide and 
never-tiring Protector. 

Thou hast borne us from place to place in 
perfect safety, and hast relieved us from all 
anxiety and trivial worries, by leading us in 
Thy paths. 

We hope, Oh, God, to deserve the marvelous 
protection Thou has shown us, and to be as 
Thou wouldst have us, in goodness and purity 
towards mankind. 

We try to keep Thy commandments and to 
think of Thy impressions of all our doings, 
therefore are we not haughty or selfish, or 
boastful of blessings given us. 

Help us, Oh, God, to do all things 
wisely, and lend an ear to our prayers and 
supplications. 

Let no man harm us, nor nothing mar the 
lives we so appreciate that we may live on in 
pursuit of the goal to which we have aspired. 

If we seem not to realize Thy blessings, for- 

54 



give us ; we mean not to be in any way 
ungrateful of the great liberties Thou hast 
given us. 

We believe, Oh, Lord, in Thee, and Thee 
only, and have no other image of a god. 

We thank Thee now and forever more. 



55 



*UPON TRAVELING 

God in Heaven; 

Wilt Thou lend an ear again to our humble 
prayer, in which we thank Thee again for the 
blessings of the past week? 

We know and feel Thy watchful presence 
ever with us, and our only wish is Thy 
blessing. 

We see, Oh, Lord, the dangers encompassed 
around about us, and it is Thy guidance alone 
which steers us in and out of the passing trials 
which confront us on this earth. 

Oh, God, if our thanks seem insufficient, 
forgive us — if our praise is all too meagre, do 
Thou hearken to us in Thy merciful glory; if 
we unmeaningly sin, overlook it, and be to us, 
as Thou hast always been, our watchful Father, 
and only Protector. Amen! 



56 



* GRATITUDE FOR SAFETY IN 
TRAVEL 

Great God; 

Thou hast heard our prayers and in Thy 
never-tiring watchfulness Thou hast kept us 
safe from all harm. 

We cannot in any way show our gratitude 
and in my heart I feel prayer a most insufficient 
means of thanking Thee. 

May we hope that time will come When we 
may be united with Thee — when we may show, 
by some great word or deed, what we know we 
owe to Thee and Thee only. 

Make us worthy, Oh, Lord, of all Thy bless- 
ings and help us to follow Thy laws, for our 
only wish is to be in Thy favor, forever. Amen! 



57 



SEPARATION FROM HOME AND 
DEAR ONES 

Almighty Father in Heaven ; 

Each moment we are confronted with diffi- 
cult situations, thoughts of uneasiness appear 
to our minds and our only hope is to look to 
Thee. 

Our lives are but one continuous trust in 
Thee, our only hope for contentment and hap- 
piness rests in Thee. We pray Thee, Kind 
Father, to give us beautiful, strong thoughts, 
and firm minds, to cope with every weak idea 
and to buoy us up to the necessary pitch of 
control. 

Why, Kind Father, are our thoughts so 
worldly? Why do we dwell upon mortal 
fears and mortal importance, when all belong 
to Thee, and all comes from Thee? 

Give us strength, Kind Father, to thrust 
aside all evil thoughts and to live alone with 
Thee, in the light of Thy divine assurance. 

Help us, Kind God, to be contented, in the 
separation from our loved ones, with the 
knowledge that Thou art ever with us, and near 

58 



to our wishes. We thank Thee, Oh, God, for 
Thy goodness to us, for Thy omnipotent help 
and guidance. All is from Thy hand, and 
Thou hast dealt bountifully with us, Great 
Father. 

Let reciprocal thoughts abound in our hearts 
always; let us prove our gratitude in acts of 
kindness only, and make us better in grace, 
submission, and acknowledgment of Thy great 
power. 

Help those who look up to Thee with faith 
and confidence in Thy supreme omnipotence, 
and they will in due season receive reward in 
the fulfilment of their wishes, for 'tis to Thee 
alone, Oh, God, we may be permitted to prefer 
a request. Bless all in our home, Kind Father, 
and comfort those who need Thee. Amen! 

* Oh, God; 

In Thy goodness, and all powerful guidance, 
Thou hast seen fit to content me with all 
surroundings and all phases of life. 

Thou hast made me beloved by all those 
whom I meet and I only ask to be allowed to 
love Thee, and to feel that Thou art my 
Heavenly Father. 

Forgive me, Lord, if I have sinned, and 
keep me pure and free from all contaminating 
influences. 

I pray Thee, Oh, God, to never find me 
negligent in thanking Thee for Thy holy 
protection. 



PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR 

Almighty King and Father; 

Another year of life with its glories and 
responsibilities has passed, governed by Thy 
will and masterful hand. 

In safety and health, we have been guided 
by Thee through the labyrinth of cares and 
duties entailed upon us. 

We have conquered all petty trials and 
moments of suspense clearly by the light of 
Thy divine sympathy and the consciousness of 
Thy untiring mercy. 

In this hour of sincere gratitude we plead 
for Thy attention that we may, with devoted 
love and appreciation, deliver our heartfelt 
thankfulness for all Thy blessings. 

These are meager expressions by which we 
would essay to lift our voices to Thee, for 
mortal words are all too inadequate in attempt- 
ing to make our gratitude worthy of Thy 
exalted acceptance. 

We pray, Kind Father, for another year of 
peace and contentment. We pray for another 
year of Thy watchful supervision and we thank 
Thee, Heavenly Father, for Thy will, whatever 
it may be. 

60 



* PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR 

On this New Year's eve, Oh, Lord, we bow 
clown to Thee in gratitude, thankfulness and 
appreciation for the numerous blessings Thou 
hast bestowed upon us — for Thy never-tiring 
guidance during the past year and for the 
privilege of appealing to Thee for all our 
wants and needs. 

Oh, God, what should we do without Thee? 
What would our lives be worth if Thou hadst 
not given us the great knowledge of Thy 
Supreme Being? 

We are indeed grateful to Thee, Oh, Lord, 
for our wisdom, and now we submit to Thee 
our heart feeling, and we know that Thou wilt 
realize from On High that we are now and 
forever saying a prayer to Thee. 

If we have sinned during the past year, we 
have surely done it unmeaningly, and the sins 
are trivial, and Thou art slow of anger, and 
quick to overlook our faults. 

We admit, Oh, God, that without Thy watch- 
ful guidance we should be naught, and without 
Thy blessings we should feel naught, and with- 
out Thy help we should end as naught. 

But Thou hast been good to us, Oh, Lord. 

61 



Thou hast blessed us with all things possible, so 
we have nothing for which to pray fervently, 
and have only to pray in gratitude. 

But so long as we know this and realize Thy 
remarkable partiality in watching over our 
family, wilt Thou again be our Power for the 
coming year? 

Wilt Thou again be with us in fair weather 
and in suspense, and wilt Thou let us look up 
to Thee for strength and support? 

We pray, Oh, God, Thou wilt not forsake 
us, for without Thee we cannot live, or accom- 
plish the great route Thou hast laid out 
before us. 

May the coming year be filled witjh happy 
hours, such as this, and may we deserve Thy 
holy protection forever. Amen! 



62 



* CHILD'S PRAYER 

Oh, Lord; 

I feel tihat we overlook Thy great goodness 
to us and that we dwell too much upon the 
few days of sorrow Thou hast ordained for 
our good, instead of forgetting the days of 
gloom and remembering only Thy mysterious 
protection. 

Oh, Lord, may there never be a time 
when Thou canst find me unmindful of Thy 
omnipresence, or ungrateful for Thy favored 
blessings. 

I shall trust in Thee forever, Oh, Lord, my 
God, and shall never doubt that Thine is the 
only real power. 

The happy child is he who dwells with Thee ; 
blessed is he with love and fatherly guidance, 
as Thou alone canst give, and I feel, Oh, Lord, 
that I am one of those Children, protected, 
watched, loved and blessed by Thee, my Holy 
One on High. Amen! 



63 



PRAYER FOR THE RECOVERY OF 
A BROTHER 

Kind Father in Heaven, we exalt and praise 
Thy holy name, above all earthly expression. 

We acknowledge and extol Thy divine 
power. 

We ask Thy aid in all things and have looked 
only to Thee in these recent moments of 
distress. 

During the past week the shadow of sorrow 
and deprivation has been hanging heavily over 
us, with ominous forebodings of the ills which 
might befall us, the trouble which might have 
deprived us of all future contentment and 
cheer. 

But Thou in Thy heavenly mercy hast 
hearkened unto our appeal and hast spared 
unto us the beautiful altruistic life of our 
devoted brother, the faithful medium and 
servant of Thy divine commands. 

We unite upon this solemn moment in 
prayers of gratitude to Thee; we again ask 

64 



Thee to watch over our dear brother, to assuage 
any physical suffering, to pacify any mental 
perturbance which might confront him, and to 
gradually restore him to health, in the goodness 
of Thy divine intervention and Thy omniscient, 
omnipresent power. Amen! 



65 



SKEPTICISM 

Faltering o'er the weary wayside, 
Grasping here, and clinging there, 

Oft my heart has throbbed to murmur, 
Breathing accents of despair. 

On the lonely path of sorrow, 
Discontent had breathed its sigh, 

Naught appeased the aching torture, 
Till I felt Thy presence nigh. 

When all life seemed filled with burden 
And all comfort, cold and drear, 

Then rebellion surged within me, 
'Til I knew that Thou were near. 

Love of friends, and words of kindness, 

Thrust upon my tired soul, 
Could not cheer the life of trial 

'Til I sought Thy heavenly goal. 

When temptation hovered o'er me, 
Pressing with its irksome yoke, 

All the mortal weakness quavered 
'Til the God of Mercy spoke; 

66 



Spoke in thrilling silence near me 

To recall the weary past, 
Driving forth the skeptic venom, 

'Til I found my God, at last. 

Now I pray Thee, Heavenly Father, 
Keep me faithful, humble, true; 

Serving Thee in good to others, 
Joining Thee in life anew. 



67 



FOR THE SKEPTICAL 

Beautiful and calm is the Sabbath Thou 
hast in Thy wisdom ordained. 

Free from toil and worldly interests, we 
meditate upon Thy great power — meditate 
upon the helplessness of mankind, and upon 
the necessity of Thy aid and Thy guidance. 

As we acknowledge Thee, Oh, God, so do 
we pray for succor, for support, for consola- 
tion, and for the power of appreciation. 

The days of sunshine are not permanent, yet 
the days of apparent gloom are filled with the 
assurance of Thy presence and Thy vigilance. 

Blessed are those who have learned to know 
Thee, and to feel Thy power. Blessed are 
they who do not turn in skepticism before the 
great proofs of Thy existence. 

The sun rises, yet they see not its splendor, 
and they forget the One Great Source. Were 
it to fail them one single day, on bended knees 
they would implore Thy aid. 

So, with the manifold evidences of Thy 
existence, mankind is too remiss in the 
acknowledgment of Thy power. They (weak 
mortals) would fain pry into the mysteries 

68 



of Thy creation, and failing by their own 
inability, turn but to disclaim Thee. Even as 
the insect would essay to solve the intricacies 
of mankind, so is the weakness of human kind 
to be compared with Thy omnipotence. 

Gifted as these mortals are with senses for 
discrimination, with all the sensitive organs of 
perception and discernment, they do not utilize 
these faculties to the better understanding of 
God, and when realization does not follow 
every earthly hope, they turn in despair upon 
mortal sympathy. 

Do we not require Thy presence in joy, as 
well as in sorrow? 

Are we not trembling creatures before Thy 
blessings, lest we deserve them not, and Thou 
takest them from us? For even as Thou 
bestowest, so canst Thou (in Thine own 
judgment) deprive. 

Alas ! let us not doubt, because we know not 
why, but in serene confidence yield to Thy 
great will and way. 

We pray Thee, Heavenly Father, to remain 
in our midst, and in our hearts, even as we 
cherish Thy mighty presence always, and to 
bless us with Thy supervision. 



69 



FAVORITE PRAYERS OF OTHER 
AUTHORS 

Sir Thomas Browne, 1605-1682 

The night has come, like to the day, 
Depart not Thou, great God, away, 
Let not my sins, black as the night, 
Eclipse the lustre of Thy light. 
Keep still in my horizon, for to me, 
The sun makes not the day, but Thee. 

Thou whose nature cannot sleep, 
On my temples sentry keep, 
Guard me 'gainst those watchful foes 
Whose eyes are open, while mine close. 

Let no dreams my head infest 
But such as Jacob's temple blest 
While I do rest, my soul advance, 
Make my sleep a holy trance; 
That I may, my rest being wrought, 
Awake into some holy thought 
And with as active vigor run 
My course, as doth the nimble sun. 

70 



Sleep is a death. Oh! make me try, 
By sleeping, what it is to die; 
And as gently lay my head, 
On my grave, as now my bed. 
Howe'er I rest, Great God, let me 
Awake again at last with Thee, 
And thus assured, behold I lie, 
Securely, or to wake or die. 

These are my drowsy days, in vain 
I do now wake, to sleep again ; 
Oh ! come that hour, when I shall never 
Sleep again, but wake forever. 



Joseph Addison 

I know but one way of fortifying my soul 
against these gloomy presages, and terrors of 
mind, and that is to secure to myself the friend- 
ship and protection of that Being who disposes 
of events, and governs futurity. 

He sees, at one view, the whole thread of my 
existence ; not only that part of it which I have 
already passed through, but that which runs 
forward, into all the depths of eternity. 

When I lay me down to sleep, I recommend 
myself to His care; when I awake, I give 
myself up to His direction. 

Amidst all the evils that threaten me I will 
look up to Him, for help, and question not, 

71 



but He will either avert them, or turn them to 
my advantage. 

Though I know not the time, nor the man- 
ner, of the death I am to die, I am not at all 
solicitous about it; because I am sure that He 
knows them both, and that He will not fail to 
comfort and support me, under them. 



72 



PRAYER 

Go when the morning shineth, 

Go when the moon is bright, 
Go when the day declineth, 

Go in the hush of night. 
Go with pure mind and feeling, 

Fling earthly thoughts away, 
And in thy chamber kneeling 

Do thou in secret pray. 

Remember all who love thee, 

All who are loved by thee; 
Pray, too, for those who hate thee, 

If any such there be. 
Then for thyself in meekness, 

A blessing humbly claim, 
And link with each petition 

Thy great Redeemer's name. 

Or if 'tis e'er denied thee 

In solitude to pray, 
Should holy thoughts come o'er thee, 

When friends are round thy way; 
Even then the silent breathing 

Of thy spirit raised above, 
Will reach His throne of glory, 

Who is mercy, truth and love. 

73 



Oh, not a joy or blessing 

With this can we compare, 
The power that He hath given us, 

To pour our souls in prayer. 
Whene'er thou pinest in sadness, 

Before His footstool fall, 
And remember in thy gladness 

His grace who gives thee all. 

Anonymous 



74 



THE HOME OF THE SPIRIT 
Felicia Hemans, 1793-1835 

Answer me, burning stars of night, 

Where is the spirit gone, 
That past the reach of human sight, 

As a swift breeze hath flown? 
And the stars answered me: "We roll 

In light and power on high; 
But of the never-dying soul 

Ask that which cannot die." 

O many- toned chainless wind, 

Thou art a wanderer free; 
Tell me if thou its place can find, 

Far over mount and sea? 
And the wind murmured in reply: 

"The blue deep I have cross'd, 
And met its barks and billows high, 

But not what thou hast lost." 

Ye clouds that gorgeously repose 

Around the setting sun, 
Answer — Have ye a home for those 

Whose earthly race is run? 

75 



The bright clouds answered: "We depart, 

We vanish from the sky; 
Ask what is deathless in thy heart 

For that which cannot die." 

Speak, then, thou voice of God within, 

Thou of the deep low tone; 
Answer me, through life's restless din — 

Where is the spirit flown? 
And the voice answered: "Be thou still; 

Enough to know is given ; 
Clouds, winds, and stars their part fulfil, 

Thine is to trust in Heaven." 



76 



